Addiction is examined from many different perspectives due to differences in its individual structure. In general, addiction can be divided into subcategories such as substance addiction and behavioral addiction. Behavioral addiction can be defined as the desire to continue a behavior despite experiencing negative consequences, losing control, and compulsively engaging in that behavior without being able to stop oneself (Demirdil & Harmancı, 2021). Individuals struggling with the problems created by such behaviors may reach a point of functional loss in their social lives in the long term.
First, when we examine behavioral addiction from a neurobiological perspective, we see that it is based on the reward system, which is rooted in humans’ evolutionary survival instincts. This system is based on the assumption that the motivation to survive under limited resources makes humans resilient. It is accepted that the reward system involves specific neurological structures called reinforcement centers (Karim & Chaudhri, 2012). These neurological structures are controlled by the dopamine system, the hippocampus, and the prefrontal cortex. Control related to learning and memory is provided by the hippocampus. It is particularly effective in strengthening long-term memory. Dopamine plays a role in shaping emotional and motivational behaviors. The prefrontal cortex provides decision-making and executive functions (Karim & Chaudhri, 2012). Addiction can lead to disruptions in the functioning of these mechanisms in the brain over time.
One of the most visible areas of behavioral addiction is social media addiction. This addiction is defined as the compulsive and excessive use of the internet (Karim & Chaudhri, 2012). The widespread use of social media, fueled by rapid technological advancements, triggers our curiosity through excessive stimulation. It has many positive and negative effects on daily life. The time spent on social media becomes uncontrolled behavior due to decreased perception of content and negative impacts on our decision-making processes. Furthermore, the reason we continue this uncontrolled behavior is the need for continuation driven by the reward system (Kaya & Çalışkan, 2022). Initially, the time spent on social media is no longer sufficient to stimulate the reward system because continuous use becomes a learning process. The reward system begins to require stronger stimulation. Therefore, to maintain the feeling of pleasure, we begin to spend more time unconsciously. When we cannot access social media, we react more negatively and experience discomfort. This is what leads to social media addiction.
Social media has been explained as creating a feeling of satisfaction similar to substance use in the following way: the internet creates an immediate reward effect and has certain features that reinforce this feeling, according to Hammersley (1995). It brings together people with common interests, places people who would not otherwise meet in the same environment, allows for maintaining relationships with friends at a low cost and in a time-saving manner, and ensures that people are understood and taken seriously in the way they expect (Karim & Chaudhri, 2012). For this reason, the remarkably increased use of social media has been considered and added as a clinically defined addiction.
When we consider the process of loss of control in social media use, we see that a habit is formed in which time is allocated to it at the expense of other priority activities in daily routines, and this behavior is maintained with uncontrollable motivation (Demirdil & Harmancı, 2021). Here, the failure to control social network use and difficulty managing responsibilities in life can be considered criteria for addiction. Another perspective on why we place social media so centrally in our lives is the fear of missing out (FoMO) (Demirdil & Harmancı, 2021). It is supported by the automatic thought that other users are currently engaged in rewarding interactions and that one is deprived of this, leading individuals to uncontrollably turn to social networks. Furthermore, it can be observed that the fear of missing out is greater in individuals with mood disorders, low psychological well-being, and those who use social media in situations requiring concentration, such as driving or meetings.
In conclusion, there is an increasing number of studies indicating that excessive social network use manifests symptoms similar to those seen in psychoactive substance use. At this point, the similarities between the desire for behavioral gratification and the reward system are emphasized. It has been observed that this condition, which has both mental and emotional effects, is more prevalent in individuals with low self-esteem, impulsivity, and introverted personality traits (Karim & Chaudhri, 2012). The rapid changes in technology, easy access to resources and stimuli, excessive use of social networks as a way to reduce anxiety and stress, and the resulting repetitive behavior leading to impaired behavioral control have brought a new dimension to the definition of addiction. In the treatment of this type of compulsive internet use, cognitive-behavioral therapies—focusing on identifying and restructuring dysfunctional thoughts, applying restrictive practices, and planning and monitoring alternative satisfying activities—are considered to make a positive contribution.
References
Demirdil, G., & Harmancı, P. Davranışsal Bağımlılıklar.
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/PinarHarmanci/publication/378697181_DAVRANISSAL_BAGIMLILIKLAR_Bagimliliktan_bagimsizliga_dogru/links/65e58d71e7670d36abf0b51b/DAVRANISSAL-BAGIMLILIKLAR-Bagimliliktan-bagimsizliga-dogru.pdf
Karim, R., & Chaudhri, P. (2012). Behavioral addictions: An overview. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 44(1), 5–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2012.662859
Kaya, S., & Çalışkan, N. D. (2022). Ödül sisteminden doğan ceza döngüsü: Bağımlılık.
https://www.bioinforange.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Sevginaz-Kaya-Bagimlilik.docx.pdf